Baby checklist for the first 6 months

As a sleep consultant and midwife, I get welcomed into a lot of homes and have the privilege of seeing so many cute nurseries, so I created this baby checklist to help new parents avoid buying a million different gadgets that they just don’t need (or simply don’t have space for).

Being a mum in this day and age can often be filled with judgement and pressure but on the flip side, there are some bloody awesome things that have been designed to make ‘mum-ing’ so much easier. Can you imagine whizzing out the door in your activewear for your morning chai latte, with almond milk in a recyclable cup and trying to push one of those god almighty big old fashioned pushchairs through the busy cafe door or even up the hill!

We are lucky to have the technology and super cool products we have today and I have seen, used, loved and disliked different products over the years so here it is, my very own baby checklist for you. Enjoy!

Nursery & Sleeping

Cot and mattress (should meet safety standards).

Cot Sheet fitted and flat (to tuck them in) x 2 sets.

Blinds to black out the bedroom (especially from 6 weeks onwards).

Video Monitor (doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive, as long as it has the range far enough that you can take it throughout your entire house).

Night-light so you can see enough for feeds and nappy changes (some have room temp on them) or it can just be a normal lamp with a low wattage bulb).

Swaddles for sleeping x 2 – ergo cocoons are amazing and L’il Fraser wraps are great especially for first 8 – 12 weeks.

White noise machine or download an app with rain (to block out disturbing household noise and help your baby to sleep).

Small storage baskets for baby things x 2 (one for the bathroom and one for changing area).

Muslin cloths are great for feeding, spills and burp cloths but not great for swaddling as they don’t keep bubs secure when they wriggle.

Carrier x 1(hug-a-bub / baby Bjorn / ergo).

Nappies – buy in bulk, lots of cheapish but good options available.

Blanket or large mat for tummy/mat time (activity gym for first 8 weeks if you want to use one but not necessary).

Wipes (non-scented) & Nappy bags for no 2’s (to stop the house smelling).

Changing area (you don’t necessarily need a big changing table) but it should include a changing mat, basket with nappies, cream, wipes, a little toy for them to hold so they lie still and nappy bags (for dirty nappies).

Bath Time

2 x towels (these don’t need to be baby specific but should be soft and not too scratchy).

Water thermometer (if you aren’t confident with judging water temperature).

Soft flannels for washing x 2.

Nut oils are beautiful and can be used daily – no need for specific moisturisers unless nut allergy present. Otherwise, buy organic moisturiser with no nasties or use specific medical prescription cream.

Nappy Bag

Doesn’t need to be a specific ‘nappy bag’ as long as it’s big enough, has different compartments/pockets and easy to carry or hang from a pram.

(Gorgeous Nursery Pic – Instagram @sonsandfolk)

Contents

Spare change of clothes x 2

Burp cloths (muslins) x 2

Nappies x 4

Snacks for you (eg nuts) in a little container or a muesli bar

Bottle of water

Wipes

Fold out change mat

Sunblock / nappy cream / other medical supplies

Purse with cash ($20 for emergencies like coffee)

Equipment

Car seat

Pram (I love the 3 wheelers personally)

Bouncer – Baby Bjorn is a popular brand

First aid box (to keep up high)

Panadol and Nurofen (specific for different ages so please check dosage)

A good thermometer

Baby nail clippers

Teething powder

Also, have medical advice / leaflet i.e. signs of an unwell baby, normal temperatures for a baby / when to call the GP and GP number accessible for babysitters/carers.

Mum Stuff

Comfortable feeding chair for the nursery

A diary to write notes / keep a journal

A loose nighty/pjs, breastfeeding tops, bras, comfy day clothes

Nipple cream, breast pads, cold gel pads.

And lastly, 10 things you DON’T NEED to put on your baby checklist

Wipe warmer.

Cot bumper – not safe.

Baby socks can be annoying as they come off so easily and get lost – if it’s cold, onesies are easiest, if it’s really cold you can even put girls woollen tights underneath trousers to keep those legs nice and toasty (even on boys!) I did this a lot with kids in winter months living in London.